“Lundstrum Just Lit Something Up In Me”: Alumni Seraiah Brooks Speaks Out:
In the past year, Seraiah Brooks earned his bachelor of science degree in biochemistry from University of Northwestern – St. Paul, starred in a feature film that now is in post-production, and launched a solo music career.
But the 21-year-old says that none of this would have happened without Lundstrum Performing Arts.
Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis, Alumni Seraiah Brooks, Amy Casserly Ellis at 2024 Inspiring Dreams Breakfast.
“I remember the first time I walked into the lobby for a placement audition,” he recalls. “I was so nervous. But the warm and kind encouragement of the Casserly sisters just lit something up in me. Next thing I knew, it was Saturday and I was warming up in Miss Janie’s dance class!”
Seraiah studied and performed with Lundstrum through middle and high school. It’s at Lundstrum, he says, that he learned about working hard and believing in your dreams. “There is nothing more fun and rewarding than chasing your dreams,” he says. “It’s an important life skill and Lundstrum develops that skill in young artists. My aspirations and skill sets grew here.”
Lundstrum Director of Dance Jane McMonagle remembers how hard Seraiah worked to develop his talents at Lundstrum. “Seraiah came to us with a talent for acting, however it was a lot for him to delve into ballet, jazz, tap lessons, not to mention develop his voice as a singer,” remembers McMonagle. “Once he found Lundstrum, he put all his energy into developing as a musical theater performer. In the process, he made some lifelong friends in the Lundstrum family, friends who share his passion for performing.”
It was this support community larger Lundstrum community, that helped Seraiah through some hard times during high school, when his best friend died suddenly, and his life was turned upside down. Seraiah remembers, “I truly don’t know how I got through that experience, but I know it was thanks to my faith, my family, and the love and support from my Lundstrum family.”
Seraiah completed Lundstrum’s Broadway Arts Conservatory program, and at University of Northwestern, was able to secure leading roles starting in his freshman year, thanks to his Lundstrum training. He continued to perform during college, while also pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry.
Today, Seraiah has finished college and is working to develop himself as a professional actor, musician and performer. Recalling his years at Lundstrum, Seraiah reflects, “Lundstrum gives youth a competitive edge,” he says. “It’s so integral to our community to have a space where youth can develop into talented and dynamic performers who do great things. Lundstrum gave me the tools to capture my dreams and showed me that through hard work, anything is possible.”
It’s so integral to our community to have a space where youth can develop into talented and dynamic performers who do great things. Lundstrum gave me the tools to capture my dreams and showed me that through hard work, anything is possible.” – Seraiah Brooks
Seraiah Brooks in Oklahoma 2020
Seraiah Brooks in Bye Bye Birdie 2021